STAFF
As CEO, Nelson ensures the Council meets the goals and objectives defined by the executive committee. He works closely with top organizations in Arkansas, including its largest employers, state leaders, educators, local government officials and chambers of commerce. The initiatives he’s most proud of are those that set up NWA for inclusion and growth: the Bella Vista bypass, the Health Care Transformation Division and EngageNWA. A native Arkansan, Nelson enjoys being able to balance an exciting career with the low-stress lifestyle of NWA.
EMAIL: nelson@nwacouncil.org
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Mike Harvey
Mike’s main responsibilities are operations, finance, strategy and research. He also works closely with other team members on the Council’s economic development, talent development, attraction and retention programs. On the team since 2011, Mike enjoys the wooded hills of Washington County, where he lives with his wife and doggo.
EMAIL: mikeharvey@nwacouncil.org
CREATIVE
Amy Kelley Bell
Amy shapes the overall look of the Council’s communications. In her current position, she aids the Council in designing reports, presentations and more to ensure the Council is presenting a modern and bold look. Amy has worked in communications and design for over a decade. Amy’s experience reaches beyond design. Raised in Arkansas politics, she studied in performance arts and has operated a small business. Before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, Amy and her husband, Chef Matt Bell, owned and operated South on Main, an award-winning fine restaurant and live music venue in Little Rock.
EMAIL: amy@nwacouncil.org
RECYCLING
Lee Chalmers
Lee oversees NWA Recycles, which entails the management of six committees that have various material focus areas but one shared goal — to reduce the flow of what is going into landfills and increasing recycling throughout the region. With a master’s in business and background in marketing and communications, he sees the benefits of collaboration to help foster a circular economy in Northwest Arkansas. While Lee enjoys the lakes, rivers and trails in NWA, he’s also well versed in the art of auctioneering as a state licensed auctioneer.
EMAIL: lee@nwacouncil.org
WORKFORCE HOUSING
Isabel Gamarra
Isabel serves as the director of communications and advocacy for Groundwork where she manages the center’s brand, external communications and community outreach efforts. Isabel is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with more than 12 years of experience working in public affairs, corporate communications and marketing. Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Isabel earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s in public administration from Florida International University and can speak and write in Spanish fluently.
EMAIL: isabel@nwacouncil.org
COMMUNICATIONS
Nate Green
Nate amplifies the good work being done to move NWA forward as our communications director and primary media contact. As an accomplished attorney, he’s a skilled communicator and storyteller. In his current position, he drives content and messaging for the Council. Born in Camden, Ark. and currently living in Rogers, he loves experiencing the local culture, from public art to food trucks.
EMAIL: nate@nwacouncil.org
BELONGING & BRIDGING
Monica Kumar
Monica serves as the belonging & equity strategist for EngageNWA. She is focused on building diverse, cross-sector community action and bridging experiences and has been instrumental in uplifting Welcoming Week NWA as a signature regional initiative. Monica brings decades of community development and social justice organizing experience across difference. She practiced human rights law in England and was admitted to the bar in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Monica was born in London to immigrant parents and has lived in many different communities around the world. She speaks fluent Gujarati, and conversational Hindi, and is working on her French speaking skills. Monica believes that localized community action and racial solidarity are foundational for building belonging, bridging and justice for all.
EMAIL: monica@nwacouncil.org
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Serafina Lalany
Serafina is dedicated to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas. As the executive director of StartupNWA, she is focused on cultivating a thriving innovation economy by offering valuable resources for founders – through increased access to capital and talent, relationship building, and elevating good ideas and success stories. Serafina believes there is no greater conduit of social and economic change than entrepreneurship, and the mission to distribute this opportunity on a broader scale is one that drives her every day.
EMAIL: serafina@nwacouncil.org
BELONGING & BRIDGING
Margot Lemaster
Margot serves as executive director of EngageNWA where she works to increase inclusion across sectors in Northwest Arkansas. She collaborates with regional and national partners to build a more cohesive and welcoming region. Previously, Margot was executive director at the Ozark Literacy Council. While living and studying in France and various West African countries, she developed an interest in building community across differences and a proficiency in French. Born and raised in Fayetteville, she considers herself fortunate to contribute to the ongoing endeavors to foster a more welcoming and inclusive region.
EMAIL: margot@nwacouncil.org
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Ron Maloney
Ron works to promote Northwest Arkansas as the “right place” for business investment and new job creation. He oversees the Council’s relationship with site selectors and real estate professionals. He places a strong emphasis on strategically targeted lead generation, development and management. He lives in Bella Vista with his wife and three sons and loves to hunt, fish and just about any excuse to be in the outdoors.
EMAIL: ron@nwacouncil.org
SOCIAL MEDIA
Alicia McCallen
Alicia is responsible for both social listening — staying on top of regional happenings, news and announcements via social media — and managing FindingNWA’s social media marketing and advertising campaigns. She’s built an engaged audience (over 110,000 strong) and is dedicated to inspiring and spreading the love of NWA, from its professional opportunities to its staggering natural beauty.
EMAIL: alicia@findingnwa.com
WORKFORCE HOUSING
Duke McLarty
As executive director of Groundwork, Duke works with community partners across sectors to address housing affordability in the region. Duke is passionate about working collaboratively to develop workable solutions the fit the unique needs of each city. The goal of the center is to promote well-designed housing options and mixed-income, walkable and transit-accessible neighborhoods for the region’s workers and their families.
EMAIL: duke@nwacouncil.org
WORKFORCE HOUSING
Lindsey Navarrette
Lindsey serves as the communications, social media and event manager for Groundwork. She focuses on the center’s community outreach initiatives as well as plans the center’s community engagement events. She is passionate about finding innovative solutions to housing affordability throughout Northwest Arkansas.
EMAIL: lindsey@nwacouncil.org
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Joe Rollins
Joe works with educators and businesses to develop and strengthen NWA’s career and technical education programs. He connects colleges, technical schools and high school training programs with potential employers and facilitates meeting their workforce needs. This makes him a valuable resource to both students and schools, supporting and promoting career opportunities. The Springdale native also advocates for regional training and partnership needs with area chambers of commerce.
EMAIL: joe@nwacouncil.org
TALENT INITIATIVES
Aron Shelton
Aron oversees the Council’s talent attraction and retention efforts, and the lifelong Fayetteville resident is in it for the long haul: His focus on the long-term growth and prosperity of the region keeps him committed and passionate about his role. Aron’s primary responsibilities include content management, designing, implementing, and analyzing FindingNWA’s digital engagement strategies, and working with regional recruiters.
EMAIL: aron@findingnwa.com
INFRASTRUCTURE & POLICY
Rob Smith
Rob is focused on continuing to improve NWA’s infrastructure—from water quality and quantity to highways to public transportation to recycling and waste disposal—frequently partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and Northwest Arkansas National Airport. And during his time off? You can catch the Springdale dweller on one of NWA’s many bike paths.
EMAIL: robsmith@nwacouncil.org
TALENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION
Justin Stewart
Justin’s focus is on the Council’s talent attraction and retention in regards to helping potential newcomers connect the dots when it comes to finding new opportunities right here in NWA. Justin has worn many hats over the years and is no stranger to NWA. Being a Bentonville native, Justin is excited for the constant growth and diversity happening in the community. Don’t be surprised if you turn on the TV and see Justin pop up in a commercial, TV show or even a film. Justin is an avid performer when it comes to film and theatre. Every now and then you might even catch him performing in a live show.
EMAIL: justin@findingnwa.com
LEGAL & SPECIAL PROJECTS
Stacey Sturner
Stacey works on Council member relations, but she also provides support to the Council’s health care transformation division and other initiatives. The cross-functional nature of her role lets her really take in the breadth of the organization’s impact and all the community members it touches.
EMAIL: stacey@nwacouncil.org
OPERATIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS
Kamron Whitehead
Kamron is a native of Northwest Arkansas and is excited by all the growth that has happened in the region during her lifetime. She works in all aspects of the Council overseeing the day-to-day office duties, working with Council membership, monitoring certain financial records and preparing for meetings with members, partners and guests. Kamron’s favorite aspect of the Council’s work is its impact on the community.
EMAIL: kamron@nwacouncil.org
